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Playing through midfield is one way to build up play, players need to be technically proficient to receive and play in tight spaces, as well as creative in their movement to find space to receive.
Coaching Objectives
In this drill players will develop their ability to exploit space through midfield by disrupting the opposition with creative movement and rotation of the 4, 8 & 10.
Drill Setup
- 25 Mins
- 16 Players
- 2 Goals
- 16 Bibs
- 70x30 y
What the Players Do
Teams are split 3v1 in each end zone and 3v3 in middle zone.
Drill starts with GK playing out to defenders who look to build and play through midfield.
MF can play back to defenders in order to create space and opportunities to play forward.
Defenders can progress into central zone to make 4v3 when in possession.
MF players can join attacking zone to make it 3v2.
Progressions:
Defenders/MFs can dribble as well as pass into next zone.
Coaching Tips
Passing and Receiving
First thought – can we play forward, if not can we keep possession to create space
Scanning and body shape to receive to play forward
Passing detail - which foot, into space, into feet – depending on pressure
Movement
4, 8, 10 to play on different lines
Rotation of MF 3
Short sharp movements to create space for yourself or others
Breaking Lines
Break line with movement off shoulders – on the blind side of defender
Play with pace & power to break line with a pass
Break line with movement, pass or dribble
Modify the Session
Space – Make central zone bigger/smaller
Task – Allow players to move through zones but refer to them as a reference
Equipment – Use end zones instead of zones
Players – Change the numbers in each zone
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Abbie Sadler
Women’s High Performance Football Centre Coach Development Officer at the FA and BCWFC WSLA Academy Coach at Bristol City.
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